Easing anxiety builds trust

June 16, 2006

People rarely call the police to invite them over for a cup of coffee. When an officer is called it is because all other efforts to resolve a conflict have failed, oftentimes violently. This community witnessed its share of violence earlier this spring with the shooting deaths of Ja-Vonda Tharbs and South Bend Police Cpl. Scott Severns. Two violent deaths. Both tragic and avoidable. Anger is an understandable reaction to such deaths. But when those raw emotions rage out of control and lead to retribution against a perceived enemy, where does it end? Truthfully, we were concerned about how police officers would react in the days immediately following Severns' shooting death. Some in the department's administration would acknowledge their concern too. We believe the public was anxious. Police carried on with their day-to-day duties in a professional manner that made this community proud. That tension between the police and the public must be acknowledged, not ignored. We believe that tension existed before Severns' death and still exists today. There are those within this community who are intimidated when they see an officer with close-cropped hair, dark sunglasses, leather gloves and pant legs tucked into boots. We don't think that's the kind of image the city of South Bend or the police department wants to impress upon the public. Police must work to maintain their image of public servant. The police department must work to build stronger ties with the community through programs such as Community Oriented Policing and Neighborhood Watch. The community should take part in the Citizens Police Academy so there is a better understanding of what a police officer endures on a daily beat. Maybe regular neighborhood meetings between the police administration and residents also is a way to improve that relationship. We're sure there are other ways to effectively build a stronger ties between residents and police. We want to hear from you. What can police officers do to improve their image? Are officers too often unfairly criticized? What is the public's role in helping to build a better community, to show support to police and to build trust between police and residents? We welcome your comments and ideas.